Physical Therapy For Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition that affects millions of women worldwide, causing discomfort, pain, and often embarrassment. Yet, it is not as widely discussed as it should be. If you are one of the many who suffer from this unwelcome phenomenon, you are not alone, and there is help available in the form of pelvic floor therapy. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of physical therapy for pelvic organ prolapse, exploring the benefits of targeted exercises and techniques that can make a world of difference. So, let's get started!

Pelvic Organ Prolapse: An Overview

In a nutshell, pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles and tissues that support your pelvic organs weaken, leading to the organs dropping and pressing against the vagina. Apart from the discomfort, pelvic organ prolapse can cause urinary and bowel issues, as well as hinder sexual function.

The primary causes of pelvic organ prolapse include pregnancy, childbirth, aging, and hysterectomy. Factors such as obesity, constipation, and chronic cough can exacerbate this condition.

Physical Therapy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing and preventing pelvic organ prolapse. A licensed therapist can guide you through specific exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and help alleviate prolapse-related discomfort. The tailored physical therapy regimen often includes:

kegel exercises

These exercises involve contracting and releasing the pelvic floor muscles, in the same way, that you would if you were stopping the flow of urine. Regularly practicing kegel exercises can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and potentially reduce prolapse symptoms.

Biofeedback

This technique allows patients to identify and engage pelvic floor muscles correctly. A physical therapist places sensors inside or against the vagina, enabling them to detect muscle activity and provide real-time feedback on your performance.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training

A physical therapist may recommend various other exercises targeting the pelvic floor muscles or adjacent areas, such as the abdomen, lower back, or hips. These exercises help to improve muscle tone, flexibility, and overall pelvic floor health.

Vaginal Pessary

An appropriately sized and fitted pessary, typically made of silicone, can be an essential part of pelvic floor therapy. This device helps support the prolapsed organs and alleviate symptoms. A healthcare professional will instruct you on how to clean and manage the pessary.

EXAMPLE

Consider Sarah, a 40-year-old mother of three who has been experiencing symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse after her last pregnancy. In consultation with her gynecologist, she opts for physical therapy as her first line of treatment.

Sarah’s therapist begins her treatment plan with kegel exercises using biofeedback. Sarah practices her pelvic floor muscle contractions for 10 minutes every day while watching her progress on a computer screen connected to the biofeedback sensors. She also learns to perform gentle yoga poses and stretches aimed at enhancing her pelvic floor health.

After a few weeks of consistent practice, Sarah feels a significant improvement in her pelvic floor strength and experiences fewer prolapse symptoms. Her therapist stresses the importance of maintaining her newfound strength with regular exercise and proper body mechanics.

Dealing with pelvic organ prolapse can be a challenging and uncomfortable process, but the good news is that physical therapy can offer much-needed relief and aid in the prevention of further complications. By engaging in a targeted pelvic floor therapy regimen, it is possible to improve your quality of life and regain control over your body.

If you found this article helpful, please consider sharing it with others who may benefit from this knowledge and explore the other informative guides available on Pelvic Floor Therapy.